Shoes that look better with age...

[Gang]

Hey, Gang, Fukurokuju is the name of the Repair Shop in Tokyo. Okuyama-san is the name of the shoe repairman.

Ed those boots are shexy. Cat's Paw-licious.

thanks for your answer coleslawyum

I thought that edmond lives in Hong Kong

but repaired his shoes through the shop in Tokyo, Japan!!

Edmond might be really big fan of american casual wear & boots.

just amazing...

[rodeo bill]

Here are my smarty shoes. GJ Cleverley oxfords- about a year old worn more regularly than I expected- I kind of like them with denim.

[rodeo bill]

these were the first 'good' shoes I bought, late spring last year- Dunhill was having a clearance and I got them for 65pounds:)

they're super-comfy, although the elastic is going slightly at the tops- actually they were like that when I bought them (I think they;d been in a stockroom for years) and they haven;t got any worse, so I'm not too worried)

[rodeo bill]

sorry these aren't shoes, so they shouldn;t really be here, but I posted them here when I got them ad people seemed to like them. These are about a year and half old now, worn pretty often, and in my back pocket most of the rest of the time (hence the indigo stains). Real McCoy's horsehide bought in Daikanyama:

This is why we love RM's- anyone else would use stock hardware- I only noticed this the other day, but on the underneath of the clasps they're branded RM SA TX- ridiculous and brilliant!

[SLAB]

reminder to self- must repair my boots with okayama-san if ever the need arises

eddy, are those your boots or a pair that was posted on his blog?

[edmond]

those are my pair buddy

[SLAB]

+rep coming your way

[edmond]

i can feel it!!!!!!!!!!! thanks!

[coleslawyum]

Thanks for posting these. Great evo.

[rnrswitch]

I think there is a "gloves that look better with age" thread. (10).

[beatle]

That's a dreamy combination. Have you been holding onto those Indy's for this occasion, or did LeatherSoul receive a restock?

they still had one pair left in my size...more or less perfect timing...

[Mike147]

Whites are nice, but for $360 you can get a pair of Wesco boots made completely customed to your foot. You send off for their kit and outline your foot and take their measurements and the will build you a pair that fit perfectly so break in time is cut way down and the comfort level is exceedingly high. You get the choice of about 5 different soles and heel types and heights, toe caps, white or black stitching, lined or unlined with several types of material and choice of black brown or oxblood.

They are to be my next purchase, I have several pairs of Redwings and they are good boots as long as they fit you, The moc toe style can be kind of rough on wide feet.

Where can you get Custom Wesco's for $360? I think they actually cost much more than that if you get them custom...

[edmond]

wesco for 360? basic one will set you back 400

custom one with 2 tone leather vibram half sole will set you back around 550

[Mike147]

Assuming you got these from Anatonica, Paris?

Moulded Shoe in NY telling me that Alden is using a new cutting machine and can no longer make boots on the Modified Last in EEE Width. My INDYs on Modified Last were never run - and might never be...

I think I'm going for a pair of White's Bounty Hunters.. Based on what I've heard here - they're going to get some Horween Leather - would love a pair in Chromexel... Anyone have an idea of when the new leather will be available?

[Mike147]

wesco for 360? basic one will set you back 400

custom one with 2 tone leather vibram half sole will set you back around 550

Right on Brother - I think White's will end up being about $50 cheaper custom.

[Doug C]

Quick RW question .... Do they make the black cherry color in just chromexel or also in the featherstone ? The chromexel is a pull up leather and would not be my first choice but I don't think the featherstone is. I ask because I just noticed that the desciption for these boots on Bakershoes' website is "black cherry featherstone". Either they're described wrong or I'm confused and the featherstone is a chromexel leather (I don't think that's right though), OR they are now offered in this leather. The featherstone I believe is a calf skin, no? ... what characteristcs does featherstone exibit?

[Happy Hooligan]

Here's a shot of one of the pairs I picked up of the vintage Florsheim Imperial V-Cleat in Cordovan!

more details on my blog... if you wear a 10 EE let me know!

[amlai]

OK, I promised an update a while back and this was the first chance I had to shoot some pictures. Unfortunately, light hasn't been very good so this was the best I could do. I omitted the 405s this time since they haven't been worn much lately.

LeatherSoulxSF #8 plain toe medallion boot, LeatherSoul #8 shell Indy boot, LeatherSoul cigar shell Indy boot, and LeatherSoul whiskey shell Indy boot

#8 plaza last cap toe boot, cigar plaza last cap toe blucher, whiskey NST, and whiskey chukkas

Detail shot of LeatherSoul #8 shell Indy boot

Detail shot of cigar plaza last cap toe blucher

The cigar plaza last cap toe bluchers need to go back to Alden for restoration. The soles are getting really thin and the sole is starting to come unglued along the edges. Heaviest use after the #8 Indys, which have already been back to Alden once. I've had both of them for about 2.5yrs.

[velomane]

OK, I promised an update a while back and this was the first chance I had to shoot some pictures. Unfortunately, light hasn't been very good so this was the best I could do. I omitted the 405s this time since they haven't been worn much lately.

Truly a fantastic post. You have instantly made me poorer by several hundred dollars.

[tahonng]

Here's a shot of one of the pairs I picked up of the vintage Florsheim Imperial V-Cleat in Cordovan!

more details on my blog... if you wear a 10 EE let me know!

I have such a love/hate relationship with the cleats. I had my Florsheims' heel and sole replaced, because I kept slipping on smooth surfaces, but whenever I see them on someone else's shoes, I keep thinking I maybe could've made them work.

[brownboot]

That Alden collection is pretty amazing, wow. I hope one day to have an equally impressive shell cordovan collection.

[aho]

lol amlai coming through as per request....still one of my most favorite Alden collections ever, even without the other Indy's and that 4096 you sold off a while back...I am a Alden shoe stalker Everybody please rep this man!

[SLAB]

truly an amazing Alden collection, hope to get my hands on a pair of cigar shell and whiskey shell cordovan pairs myself

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to amlai again

[Mike147]

Fantastic Alden collection which I'm certain will last you for many, many years to come.

[Mike147]

I thought I had found a solution with my special order INDY Boots on the Modified Last from Moulded Shoe - but after waiting 6 months, Alden advised that they can no longer do Modified Last boots on a EEE width (new cutting machine was the excuse). Lot's of time invested with nothing to show for it, but of course the guys at Moulded apologized and returned my Deposit. I haven't found a size in the Standard Alden INDY boot (Tru-Balance) that 'feels' right yet - tried a 9.5EEE in the Alden Shop and with my orthotic it just didn't feel right in the toe box. Alden shop doesn't stock EE - if they did, I would have tried a 10EE...

Now I'm looking closely at White's Boots - as I've heard they are very well made and seems like they are customizable in both size and style. Thinking about their 'Smoke Jumper' model, which is essentially a 6" or 8" plain toe work boot (you can add a cap toe, etc). I'm going to have a retailer help me to measure with my orthotic (none in my area so I'll do this when on vacation) and then see what the company says in terms of sizing. There are tons of Leather options available and they are now carrying Cromexcel...

Forget the different colored leathers and laces here - but this is kindof what I'm going for (6" smoke jumper):

http://www.bakershoe.com/shop-by-bra...-whites-boots/

My question(s) are -

1. Has anyone had experience using White's custom order program from a size / comfort perspective.

2. What do you think of the styling / comfort of White's boots? I know they are very different than INDY boots, but I'd be really curious to hear a comparison of the two.

3. Anyone know of an Alden dealer in NYC (or online with free shipping) that stocks EE width. I'd like to try them out before I completely give up on the ubiquitous INDYs

Happy holidays to all and than you so much in advance for going thru my ramblings. I discovered White's Boots on this Forum and really appreciate the knowledge ya'll have on footwear.

[tmadd]

My question(s) are -

1. Has anyone had experience using White's custom order program from a size / comfort perspective.

2. What do you think of the styling / comfort of White's boots? I know they are very different than INDY boots, but I'd be really curious to hear a comparison of the two.

3. Anyone know of an Alden dealer in NYC (or online with free shipping) that stocks EE width. I'd like to try them out before I completely give up on the ubiquitous INDYs

Happy holidays to all and than you so much in advance for going thru my ramblings. I discovered White's Boots on this Forum and really appreciate the knowledge ya'll have on footwear.

1. My experience using the custom order program has been great, but is probably limited in relevance to you, as I am gathering by your post that you probably use a very serious orthotic, and probably have feet that are a little bit more difficult to find the right fit for than I do. What I do know is that Whites has the ability to make nearly any modification necessary to ensure an all around good fit provided you send them the correct tracings/measurement/dimensions. Don't quote me on this 100%, but I am pretty sure they have the ability to create new lasts for feet that demand them, though if they still do this, it certainly involves a premium.

2. Once again, this is my experience, and may end up being different from yours, as I don't really know how to analyze the comfort level of a boot that is essentially going to act as a background to an orthotic insert, but for me, Whites are a whole new level of comfort that I have yet to experience with any other boot. Indys are comfortable, and really do shine in comparison to most other work boots I have tried, but the combination of the all leather insole that molds to your feet, the crazy stability from the sturdy leather shaft, and the perfect angle and ergonomics of the raked heel make a correctly fitting pair of Whites almost like a second pair of feet...totally comfortable. As far as styling, its all pretty subjective, but I think the Whites are great looking, and of a level of rugged construction that just can't be argued with...there are enough options out there to get a great looking pair of boots that suits you.

3. Sorry, no good info on this one...I'm always looking for D or C.

Have a good one, and good luck on your quest for the right boots. Can't wait to see pictures and read a write up about your entire process...it will be interesting to see how this all works out for you.

[amlai]

I don't really know how to analyze the comfort level of a boot that is essentially going to act as a background to an orthotic insert, but for me, Whites are a whole new level of comfort that I have yet to experience with any other boot.

One of the things that I've heard about the Whites boots that would concern me in terms of whether or not they would accept an orthotic is that based on the descriptions, they have a heavy arch support. My past experience with orthotics suggests that they generally would prefer a flat footbed.

[Supawiwi]

Amlai, that's a really nice collection.

I'm curious about how you sized on the differend lasts you own.

+rep

[Mike147]

One of the things that I've heard about the Whites boots that would concern me in terms of whether or not they would accept an orthotic is that based on the descriptions, they have a heavy arch support. My past experience with orthotics suggests that they generally would prefer a flat footbed.

Really good point... I have an old pair of Orthotics that I can send along with my measurements to White's. I think they're sales reps and craftsmen might be able to assess what will / will not work for me given multiple data points. White's might not work for me - but I want to try to work with the company...

[amlai]

Amlai, that's a really nice collection.

I'm curious about how you sized on the differend lasts you own.

Trubalance I fit 8.5D best, but 9D works. Barrie last is about the same as Trubalance for me. Plaza last, I wear a 9.5C. 9D feels just slightly short, probably due to the slight chisel nose. Might not bother others though.